Montana primary preserves voter choice

We the people, the voters, want to decide who will serve us in elected offices. We want a choice!

Much is being said about the primary election system to be used for the first time this fall. The media presentation and discussion of this new primary system has been lacking in details and, often, misleading in content.

The federal courts have ruled Washington state can no longer use the blanket primary, a system this state has used for 70 years. Finding a new system for the primary election was a major challenge for the Legislature. It decided to pass a bill with two sections — one called the Top-Two and a second called the Montana method. The governor chose to veto the Top-Two section. The League of Women Voters of Washington agreed with his decision.

The Top-Two system would have given the voters at the primary election a choice in voting, much the same as what we had with the blanket primary. But in the general election in November, only the top two vote-getters for each race could appear on the ballot, regardless of party. Realistically, Republican and Democrat candidates would be the only ones with a chance of advancing to the general election, and not necessarily one from each party. Voter choice is severely restricted under this system, and it is in the general election that most citizens vote.

The Montana system treats the general election the same as in past state general elections. The Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Green, Independent and other small parties will have the opportunity to appear on the same general election ballot. Crossover party voting is allowed in the general election.

League of Women Voters of Washington has a position stating, "LWVWA supports a primary that has the following elements: is an ‘open’ system not requiring advance party registration, keeps voters’ party preferences from becoming a matter of public record and encourages minor party participation." This position was developed by league members through study and consensus. As an organization, LWVWA’s only choice is to support the Montana primary.

Voters should think twice about signing a referendum that may stop this year’s legislation from staying in the law and thus preventing the state from holding a primary election. Consider what would happen if there was no primary! The general election would require an impossibly long ballot with, in some cases, 10 or more candidates running for the same local, county or state office.

Please take care in using your signature power when asked to sign initiative and referendum petitions. Be sure you understand what you are signing. Don’t just read a title, listen to an ad, or take the word of the signature gatherer. This is serious business and your signature counts.

When the election does take place, vote, no matter what election system is the law. Don’t allow a few people to make your decision for you. Each of us is responsible for taking time to learn what is being presented at the polls — whether it is an initiative, referendum, tax issue or a slate of candidates.

Make time to vote. It is your right and privilege. Use it wisely.

Judy Golberg is president of the League of Women Voters of Washington.

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